Our Story
We believe art and the creative process is vital to our sense of well-being.
That through these experiences we learn, grow and connect with ourselves and our wider community.
That through these experiences we learn, grow and connect with ourselves and our wider community.
Founded by real-life brother and sister Luke Hanna and Fran Olds, The Brothers and Sisters Collective started with the dance-theatre production eye in 2013. We have since produced The Fence in 2016 and hosted a myriad of workshops, applying our same creative, embodied approach outside the rehearsal space in our communities.
Our workshops engage with a cross-section of our communities, from babies and their parents to young tāne and everyBody. Each workshop is crafted with care and led by experienced facilitators.
We continue to produce dance and theatre productions as this is also a vessel for crafting and sharing an artistic experience. Our work speaks to our human nature, our place in the world and the curiosity that leads to our growth.
In all our work, whether it’s new mother’s and father’s learning about Dr Emmi Pikler’s respectful approach to parenting, young tāne stepping safely into their physicality or arts practitioners’ devising a new production, we aim to grow the values that guide our work: whānau, kōrero and koha.
Crafting experiences to grow connection, story and collaboration Hāpai i te whānau, kōrero me te koha.
The Brothers & Sisters Collective has a unique way of working, guided by three core values:
Whānaungatanga is present and valued in all aspects of our work: within our team, with participants, audience, supporters, and the wider community. Drawing on the pōwhiri model, whānau is the way we greet, host and work with people, spaces and stories.
Put into practice, whānau means authentic communication, sharing kai and simple acts of manaakitanga that nurture collaborative relationships and contribute to a rich experience for all.
Kōrero expresses our belief in the value of storytelling. Embedded within stories, both our own and collective, is knowledge. Developing an awareness of the stories we hold, whether they be ours, our ancestors or the mainstream culture allows opportunity for growth and development.
Our work invites participants to work with their own stories and offers other narratives to explore.
We draw on all languages we have at hand: physical, aural, visual, or verbal.
‘Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi,’ we acknowledge that everyone has a unique contribution. This strength-base assumption is the basis of collaboration and supports a safe environment for exploration and growth.
From a range of creative and community backgrounds, our team champions the values and impact of Brothers & Sisters Collective.
Dancer, choreographer, teacher & movement director. Since graduating New Zealand School of Dance in 2006 Luke’s toured internationally with acclaimed companies Black Grace, Dance North, and Australian Dance. Now Luke is based in Wellington and is focussed on creating his own work - thus the conception of the Brothers & Sisters Collective.
Shuari joined Brothers and Sisters in December 2022. Shuari is passionate about the not for profit sector having run a social enterprise Moraka Menstrual Cups before joining the B&S team. Shuari is a student at Victoria University studying political science and criminology. Shuari’s list of accolades includes being named a Y25 for 2021, a finalist for Women of Influence, a finalist for the Impact Awards in the climate category, a finalist for the Girls in Business award excellence in sustainability and the Young Woman in Public Affairs award by Zonta International.
Our Board supports the vision and sustainability of our organisation, enabling us to continue serving our community.
Peter's background includes ecumenical movement, aid and development, Treaty training, and community work. He has managed a community-owned health service and a national network of primary health services. He served on several public bodies in the wider Wellington region and has over 40 years of leadership in the community sector, including a Tiriti-based Porirua Climate Assembly in partnership with Ngati Toa Rangatira. Peter and his wife Joan Skinner live in Korokoro, Lower Hutt with their merged family of 6 children and 11 grandchildren.
Toko is a director of Tuia Group and Tuia Legal Limited, a commercial law and business consulting firm focused on Māori economic development. Toko has extensive governance experience, including with Television NZ Ltd, Federation of Māori Authorities, Parininihi ki Waitotara Inc, Ngāti Apa Developments Ltd, and Banjima Direct Benefits Trust (Aust). Currently on the board of Basketball New Zealand and NZ Hi-Tech Awards judge for Māori Company of the Year. Toko descends from the Taranaki, Whanganui and Rangitikei regions and I affiliate with Ngāti Apa ki Rangitikei, Taranaki Whanui (Taranaki, Wellington, Te Tau Ihu), Te Atihaunui-a-Papārangi, Ngāpuhi.
Fran is a writer, communicator and māmā. She spent her younger years in drama classes, theatre companies and on the occasional film set. Fran now focuses what remains of her time to projects that are about story-telling, whether creative or corporate. She brings her experience from her role as communications advisor at Te Ohu Kaimoana and Te Tumu Paeroa.
